Central Information Commission, New Delhi
File No.CIC/SM/A/2010/000587
Right to Information Act2005Under Section (19)
Date of hearing : 16 December 2010
Date of decision : 16 December 2010
Name of the Appellant : Shri Sabih Alam Nomani
13/397, Indra Nagar,
Lucknow, UP.
Name of the Public Authority : CPIO, Punjab National Bank,
Circle Office, Varanasi,
S 20/56 D, The Mall Cantt.
Varanasi (U.P.)
On behalf of the Respondent, the following were present:
(i) Shri Puneet Singh, Manager (Law),
(ii) Shri A.K. Pandey, Branch Manager
Information Commissioner : Shri Satyananda Mishra
Elements of the decision:
Section 20(2)
2. In our order dated 1 November 2010, we had directed the then CPIO
and the Branch Manager to appear before us and explain why there was a
delay of more than one month in providing the information. Today, we heard
CIC/SM/A/2010/000587
the then Branch Manager and a representative of the CPIO through
videoconferencing. Both of them were present in the Varanasi Studio of the
NIC.
3. The then Branch Manager (Shri A.K. Pandey) submitted that he had
received the RTIapplication on 13 October and had forwarded it to the CPIO
on 28 October 2009. On behalf of the CPIO, however, it was submitted that the
RTIapplication reached their office only on 1 December 2009 whereafter they
promptly sent the reply on 3 December. It is not probable that a communication
sent from one of the Branches in the state of Uttar Pradesh should have
reached Varanasi nearly a month after it was despatched, reportedly through a
courier. This matter needs to be probed. Therefore, in exercise of the powers
vested in the CIC under Section 20(2) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, we
direct the CMD of the Bank to get this matter enquired into and to fix
responsibility for the delay in the delivery of the RTIapplication and to initiate
proper disciplinary action if it is found that the delay was intentional and wilful. A
compliance report be sent to us within 2 months.
4. The Commission ordered accordingly.
5. Copies of this order be given free of cost to the parties.
(Satyananda Mishra)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy. Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against
application and payment of the charges prescribed under the Act to the CPIO of this
Commission.
CIC/SM/A/2010/000587
(Vijay Bhalla)
Assistant Registrar
Copy to: ChairmancumManaging Director, Punjab National Bank, Head
Office, 7, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi – 110 066.
CIC/SM/A/2010/000587